Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed with Interstitial lung disease in 2021 as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. My lung function has progressively deteriorated since. I saw the consultant this morning who has suggested I have a bronchoalveolar lavage. I am looking for a bit of reassurance as I am very anxious ( I’m actually petrified) Could anyone who has had this procedure explain what to expect.
Thank you
I've never had this formidable sounding procedure, but I have had a bronchoscopy, which involves putting a tube down through your nose into your lung. i was very worried before the procedure, to put it mildly, but in fact it was quick and painless and enabled my consultant to confirm which kind of nasties were lurking in my lungs. Obviously the technician who did my op was very skilled- I hope they all are these days, but it was nothing like as gruesome as I had feared. i hope your procedure will go equally well. Goog luck.
I had a bronchoscopy last year when I was in hospital last year with pneumonia. The pneumonia had cleared up by then but my infections markers were still high. He wanted to see if there was anything else nasty going on in there but the consultant’s comment was nothing unexpected. After 7 weeks I was discharged, and on my discharge letter it said I had ILD related to the RA. At my next lung appointment I asked what sort of lung suit was, my brother has IPF but doesn’t have RA). Apparently I’m on the waiting list to have my case discussed at the MDT, but I’ve been waiting since last July!
I've had it done a few times.youll be sedated to relax u,although u will be awake. They are usually very good & look after us x
Hi, don’t be too concerned about this. I had a bronchoscopy with lavage last year when they were trying to establish if I had NTM. But I wouldn’t advise undergoing this procedure without the sedation. As well as the sedation which makes you too spaced to feel any pain but doesn’t render you unconscious, they spray your throat to numb it. They put lots of saline solution into your lungs and then suck it back up and collect it into plastic bottles. You can watch it all on a screen as they first put a camera in first. Afterwards you rest until the sedation wears off and then you go home. You must take someone with you to drive you back.
You’re only vaguely aware of what’s going on during the procedure. I heard lots of coughing and gurgling noises at one stage and only later realised this was me. I did have a rather raw and sore throat for the following few days.
All in all it was very professionally conducted with a team of about 6 medics around me. I felt in good hands. So try not to worry, they just need to establish what’s going on in there. S
Thank you for your reply. It sounds a bit unpleasant but am reassured that they give sedation. I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to things like this x
That was a great description, very thorough. I had the same in 2018 but the sedation made me so spaced out I was not aware of much of what was going on. The lavage, ”wash”, managed to clear out some airways that had been blocked out by mucus plugs and caused atelectasis (ie small areas had collapsed)
I was apprehensive before but now I’ve had it I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again if I had to.
I don't know anything about this procedure so can't advise, but wanted to send love and hugs as you must be worried. I have R.A. and worry it will affect my lungs. Good luck and let us know how you get on x
Than you for your reply and good wishes. I hope your RA is well controlled and doesn’t affect your lungs or anything else for that matter. x
I have alot of health problems at the moment and not sure if any are related to r.a. but keep going x
Hello,
Sorry to read about your diagnosis in 2021 and your now need for a lung washout.
If it is the same thing as I had during a nasty pneumonia back in 2007 then it is nothing to fret about.
I was taken to the endoscopy suite, a numbing gel placed in one nostril ( for the bronchoscope tube), an intravenous sedative given and before I knew it, it was all over and done. Don’t remember a thing. No after effects either.
Hoping it all goes smoothly for you and that all will be well.
Good wishes
Pauline
Thank you for your good wishes and your reassuring words. I do feel less anxious x
You are very welcome. It is natural to be a little anxious. Hope it all goes well for you.
😀
Please don’t worry about it too much. You’re given a sedative so really don’t know what’s going on. The first time I had this done they cleared all the gunk from my lungs and I felt so much better afterwards. If you’re really nervous be sure to tell the doctor.
Thank you for your reply. Although Im not looking forward to it I am a bit more reassured. x
I'm female 77 years old with Bronchiectasis and asthma, following a recent CT scan I had a bronchoalveolar lavage last week. "Seagullcity" has absolutely nailed it with their description I don't remember anything after the sedation and no ill effects afterwards. Still waiting for results as was told upto two weeks to grow cultures etc. I was worried before hand but there really is no need. Good luck and best wishes
Thank you for your kind words. I feel much better after all the positive replies.x
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